CPU Comparison
Intel Core i7-3635QM vs Intel Core i7-4750HQ
A side-by-side comparison of specs, performance and value. The Intel Core i7-3635QM is a high-performance mobile processor launched in late 2012 as part of the Ivy Bridge generation. Designed for premium laptops and mobile workstations, it features four cores and eight threads, delivering robust parallel processing capabilities. It operates at a base clock of 2.4 GHz and can boost up to 3.4 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost 2.0. Unlike the socketed 3630QM, the 3635QM utilizes a BGA 1224 package, meaning it is soldered directly to the motherboard. This allows for slightly thinner laptop designs but prevents CPU upgrades. With a 45-watt thermal design power, it balances high performance with the thermal constraints of premium mobile chassis. The integrated Intel HD 4000 graphics offer capable multimedia decoding. This CPU was a popular choice for system integrators building compact, high-performance laptops where board space and component height were critical factors.
The Bottom Line
Overview & Launch
Specifications Compared
Performance Compared
Productivity
8 threads handle everyday multitasking and office workloads without issues.
Strong quad-core performance, slightly limited by 2.0GHz base.
Gaming
Handles older or eSports titles well when paired with a discrete GPU.
Excellent integrated graphics for older 1080p titles.
Virtualization
Can run light VMs, but limited by DDR3 bandwidth and 45W power.
Capable of running standard VMs.
Efficiency
22nm Ivy Bridge is not as efficient as modern mobile processes.
47W TDP is standard but outdated.
Specialized Performance
AI / ML
- No dedicated AI hardware
- CPU inference is slow
- No AI hardware
Content Creation
Gaming
- Needs a discrete GPU for gaming
- Capable of 60fps in older titles
- Will bottleneck modern high-end mobile GPUs
- Iris Pro 5200 rivals entry-level discrete GPUs
- Great for 2013 games
Industry Impact
Best CPU by Use Case
Target Audience
Strengths & Weaknesses
Pros
- Good quad-core performance for its era
- BGA design allows for thinner laptops
- Strong turbo boost frequencies
- Decent 6MB L3 cache
Cons
- Soldered to motherboard, cannot be upgraded
- Older 22nm process
- Supports only DDR3
- Weak integrated graphics
Pros
- Iris Pro 5200 graphics
- 128MB L4 eDRAM
- Quad-core multitasking
- Good turbo boost headroom
Cons
- Low 2.0GHz base clock
- 47W TDP runs warm
- Soldered BGA package
- Outdated 22nm process
Competitors & Alternatives
Intel Core i7-3635QM
- AMD A10-4600MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3630QMRival
Mobile
- Intel Core i7-3612QMRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-6100Rival
Desktop
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i5-3210MRival
Mobile
Newer Haswell architecture with better efficiency.
Compare head-to-head- AMD Ryzen 5 3500UAlt
Modern mobile alternative with vastly superior efficiency.
- Intel Core i5-8250UAlt
Much faster and more efficient for budget laptops.
- Alt
Incredible performance per watt.
Compare head-to-head
Intel Core i7-4750HQ
- AMD A10-5750MRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4700HQRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-3635QMRival
Mobile
- AMD FX-7600PRival
Mobile
- Compare head-to-headIntel Core i7-4760HQRival
Mobile
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700UAlt
Modern alternative with excellent integrated graphics.
- Intel Core i7-1165G7Alt
Massive leap in mobile efficiency and iGPU.
- Alt
Modern premium laptop alternative.
Compare head-to-head
Our Verdict on Each
A capable mobile CPU that provided excellent quad-core performance for laptops in its era, utilizing a space-saving BGA design.
Best for: Purchasing a budget, used laptop for basic tasks or retro gaming.
Read the full reviewA groundbreaking mobile processor that brought console-class integrated graphics to thin laptops.
Best for: Finding a device with an Intel Core i7-4750HQ today is rare, as it was an expensive, premium part upon release. If you locate a used laptop with this chip, it is likely an older MacBook Pro or a high-end ultrabook. The integrated HD 5200 graphics still hold up surprisingly well for older games and media consumption, making it a decent option for a portable retro gaming machine. However, the 2.0 GHz base clock means CPU-heavy tasks will feel sluggish compared to modern processors. If you are repairing a vintage premium laptop, this CPU is essential for restoring functionality. Do not pay a premium price for a system with this processor today. Its value lies strictly in nostalgia or maintaining a legacy creative workstation. For modern efficiency and performance, even a low-end current-generation Celeron will outclass it in battery life and single-core speed. Approach it as a collector’s item or budget retro rig.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Intel Core i7-3635QM or Intel Core i7-4750HQ?
Based on our editorial ratings, the Intel Core i7-4750HQ comes out ahead with a score of 7.5/10. That said, the best choice depends on your workload — check the spec and performance breakdown above for gaming, productivity and efficiency differences.
Which is faster for gaming, Intel Core i7-3635QM or Intel Core i7-4750HQ?
For gaming, the Intel Core i7-4750HQ leads with a gaming performance score of 70/100 among Intel Core i7-3635QM and Intel Core i7-4750HQ.
Which uses less power?
The Intel Core i7-3635QM has the lowest rated TDP. Power draw across these chips: Intel Core i7-3635QM (45 W), Intel Core i7-4750HQ (47 W).
Do Intel Core i7-3635QM and Intel Core i7-4750HQ use the same socket?
No. They use different sockets (Intel Core i7-3635QM: Intel BGA 1224, Intel Core i7-4750HQ: Intel BGA 1364), so each needs a compatible motherboard.
Which is faster in multi-core benchmarks?
The Intel Core i7-4750HQ posts the highest multi-core benchmark score. Multi-core results: Intel Core i7-3635QM (4,900), Intel Core i7-4750HQ (8,000). Benchmark figures are approximate and workload-dependent.